King of the land

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In the heart of the Okavango Delta, a great gathering took place. The animals had come from far and wide to discuss who would be their next king. Kizuza, the majestic lion king, had ruled for many years but he was getting old with no heir, it was time for him to choose a new successor.

The animals began to talk amongst themselves, each one making their own case before Kizuza.

"It is no secret I am the wisest of all", the tortoise spoke, making a bow to the king. "I might be small and slow but I make up for them with my wisdom, I will be fit to rule the land", he continued.

The foxes laughed from a corner. "We do not need a king that can be eaten up so easily", one of the foxes said, approaching the lion. "We need a king who is cunning, fast, and smart. I Rakimi would be perfect to wear the crown", he continued.

The monkeys chattered and swung from tree to tree, while the birds perched on the branches and chirped their opinions.

"We do not want a fox as king", said one of the birds, "they are too cunning and will plunge the kingdom into darkness. All animals started talking at once, making their case to the king at the same time.

Finally, the lion roared, calling for order in the gathering. "My fellow animals," he roared, "we must choose a successor to the throne. Who among us is worthy of the crown?"

The animals all began to speak at once, each one trying to make their case heard above the others. The lion listened patiently, nodding his head as each animal spoke. But as he looked out over the crowd, he noticed something strange. The elephants, who were usually so vocal and boisterous, were strangely quiet.

"I think it is time we addressed the elephants in the room", one of the monkeys said. "They are usually so vocal and boisterous, why are they quiet?", he continued.

One of the younger elephants stepped forward. "We do not seek the crown, your majesty," he said. "We are content to live our lives in peace and harmony with the other animals as long as we have a good king."

The Kizuza looked surprised. "But why not?" he asked. "You are the largest and strongest animals in the kingdom. Surely you must have some desire for power and control?"

The elder elephant stepped forward then, his long tusks glinting in the sunlight. "Your majesty" he said, "we elephants have no desire for power or control. We are content to live our lives in service to the other animals, to provide for them and protect them. We have no need for a crown or a throne."

The lion looked thoughtful. "I see," he said. "But surely there must be one among you who would want to be king?"

The elephants shook their heads. "We are a peaceful people, your majesty," the elder elephant said. "We have no desire to rule over others."

Kizuza looked out over the gathered animals, his eyes twinkling with a wisdom that belied his age. "The elephants are the true guardians of the animal kingdom," he said. "They are the ones who watch over us all, who protect us and provide for us. They are the ones who understand what it truly means to lead with grace and humility."

"This will not stand your majesty", one of the foxes spoke out loud, "They said they do not want it, give it to someone that does', he contested.

"You forget your place fox", Kizuza roared. "They have shown that they are not power hungry, not like you. If anybody here has a reason why an elephant should not be king other than the fact they do not want it, speak now".

All the animals remained silent.

"Then it is settled. Koan, step forward!!", he ordered.

A young elephant with long tusks emerged from their midst.

"When I am gone, Koan will be the king of all the land as I have declared. Treat him as you have treated me".

All the animals including the fox bowed to the new king. Koan would usher all the animals to a new beginning.